A DELIGHTFULLY dark musical will come to the Ipswich Civic Centre stage at the end of this month when West Moreton Anglican College presents The Addams Family.

Directed by Musical Director Cassie Hoiberg, the 2025 college production offers a bold and imaginative take on the Broadway musical, blending gothic flair and themes of family and belonging.

“Directing this show with this particular group of students has been an absolute joy,” Ms Hoiberg said.

“The characters of The Addams Family are big, bold, and often outrageous – but beneath the surface, they each carry a truth about love, identity, and acceptance.

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to find those truths, while also embracing the over-the-top humour and gothic charm the show is known for.

“It’s been wonderful to watch them lean into the physicality, timing, and musicality that this production demands.”

The show follows Wednesday Addams – gothic royalty and the ultimate princess of darkness – who falls for a “normal” boy from a respectable family, much to the horror of her macabre clan.

Cue a dinner to remember, with dark humour, musical mischief and heart.

Ms Hoiberg said the production had brought out the best in WestMAC’s student performers.

She said that, musically, The Addams Family offered an “incredible variety and complexity”, with repertoire that challenged vocalists through dynamic ensemble numbers like When You're an Addams and Death Is Just Around the Corner and emotionally charged solos like Pulled and Crazier Than You.

“The score demands strong storytelling through song, precise harmonies, wide vocal ranges and the ability to shift seamlessly between comedic timing and heartfelt delivery, making it a richly rewarding experience for developing performers,” she said.

“We embraced the quirky charm of The Addams Family by leaning into the dark humour with bold character choices and playful timing, while grounding the heartfelt moments in genuine emotion and connection.

“This contrast allowed the comedy to shine brighter and the touching moments to feel surprisingly sincere.

Ms Hoiberg said one of the biggest creative challenges was bringing the fantastical, gothic world of The Addams Family to life in a way that felt theatrical and relatable.

“This was made even more complex by the need to move the production from the Drama room to the Lostroh Centre, and finally to the Ipswich Civic Centre during production week,” she said.

“Our students showed incredible adaptability and flexibility, rising to the challenge of each new space with enthusiasm and professionalism.

“Through imaginative set design, clever lighting and use of technology, and a strong ensemble commitment to character, we are creating an immersive theatre experience that is well beyond the years of our student body.”

Ms Hoiberg said every student was encouraged to audition.

“We looked for performers who could embrace the Addams’ wonderfully weird spirit with boldness and heart.”

One behind-the-scenes detail that Ms Hoiberg said she was especially proud of was the “extraordinary work of Props and Sets Coordinator, Stage Manager Lily Wood.

“Every item you see on stage, including the eerie and elaborate Addams Family crypt, has either been hand-made, sourced, or creatively upcycled by Lily,” Ms Hoiberg said.

“The crypt, a striking centrepiece of the set, was crafted with incredible attention to detail, giving our ancestors the perfect haunting ground and setting the tone for the entire production.

“From distressed textures to cleverly repurposed materials, Lily’s artistic vision and resourcefulness brought the Addams world to life and gave our production a uniquely authentic and atmospheric edge.

“Equally impressive is the work of Rhonda Jackson, a grandmother of the College and Costume Co-Ordinator, who has lovingly made every single costume you see on stage.

“From Gomez’s sharp pinstripes to Wednesday’s iconic black dress, and the dazzling array of Ancestor outfits, Rhonda’s craftsmanship and care have shaped the visual identity of each character.

“Her ability to design and create garments that not only reflect the unique personalities of the Addams clan but also allow our performers to move, dance and sing with confidence is nothing short of remarkable.

“Her contribution has added an extra layer of polish, authenticity and heart to the production, and we are so grateful for her time, talent and generosity.”

The WestMac production of The Addams Family also includes Assistant Director Tobey Ogilvie, Choreographer Rhiannon Strohben and Musical Director Neil Flottmann.

Show details: Ipswich Civic Centre on Thursday, July 31, 7pm, Friday, August 1, 7pm, Saturday, August 2, 2pm and 7pm.